Most aircraft scale models come with built-in color schemes. When modeling a WWII Japanese aircraft you are kinda expected to show up with either a green one or a light gray one. If you like to model Century series (F-104, F-106, etc.) fighters you're more or less stuck with a natural metal finish. And if you're a fan of the SR-71 Blackbird it is forbidden to paint it in any color other than black. Although, you might get away with a deep deep deep dark blue. Modern USAF aircraft (F-15, C-130, etc.) now come in any of color you like, as long as it's gray. Which is not to say that one doesn't have any options when it comes to choosing an optional paint scheme for your latest modeling project.

It is often the case that what was old has all of a sudden become new again. Such is the case with one of the newest color/camouflage schemes for USAF aggressor aircraft. These aggressor aircraft are used to train USAF fighter pilots and others in the latest ploys of potential adversaries. As many of you already know, these aircraft are often painted in the color schemes employed by the actual air forces considered to be potential foes. The latest color/camouflage scheme being used is F-16C's . These aggressor aircraft are based out of Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska and feature a four-tone gray splinter scheme. (Not too dissimilar from the splinter schemes used by Germany during WWII.)

To help you model this new color/camouflage option is a set of decals from Two Bobs Aviation Graphics. The F-16C Alaskan Splinters decal sheet comes in either 1/72nd, 1/48th or 1/32nd scale and contain complete markings for two separate aircraft from the 18th Aggressor Squadron, June 2017. Any more current and you would need to be stationed at the base. Contact your local recruiter.

The decals are printed by Microscale Industries on the barest amount of carrier film. All appropriate stencils are included. You even get markings for the jet intake plugs (FOD covers). Neato! Additionally, there are decals (running just below the canopy) for specific pilots. Walkway striping on the wings and fuselage is supplied in black and white as are various stencils. Two Bobs Aviation Graphics has thought of everything. They even supply cute silhouettes of the state of Alaska. All you need to do is mask properly by simply following the pattern provided. [Note: Pay attention to the splinter pattern when masking, the stars and bars for the wings are printed in two tones of gray to coincide with the splinter pattern.

All three sets of decals (1/72nd, 1/48th,& 1/32nd) are sized for the Tamiya kits but they will work for any other manufacturer. The other available kits are:

• In 1/32nd: Academy
• In 1/48th: Hasegawa and Kinetic
• In 1/72nd: Hasegawa

There are a couple of items to bear in when considering Two Bobs Aviation Graphics decal sheets. These are limited run sets, so order now. With few exceptions, they don't do reprints. The other is that within the United States there is no charge for shipping. You folks in Canada or Mexico, it's gonna cost ya. Not a lot, but it won't be free.

My thanks to Two Bobs Aviation Graphics for the review copies. Gracias. Although, beinshow this company is located in Ft. Worth, Texas maybe I should just say... appreciate ya!